Sales Interview Questions

When it comes to sales, there are a number of different sectors you can find a job in, and naturally the interview questions for each of these different sectors would be different. Of course with all Interviews, you have the general personal and motivational interview questions, which we have covered already for you, but don’t forget the competency based interview questions (also covered for you), there we talked about what they are and how to answer them. However, competency based interview questions are different for each sector which is what has lead you here. Here are the possible competency based Sales questions split up into the 3 sectors of sales that you can get a job in. Read on and enjoy, but don’t forget, if you have any questions were are only a phone call away.

General Sales Interview Questions

What percentage of your targets did you achieve?

What are some of the challenges you see that are facing this industry?

What do you see as the key issues in negotiating?

What sales skills do you think are most important to having success in sales? What are top 3 skills for Sales in your opinion?

What are some examples of your sales experience?

Sell me this pen!

How often did you achieve your sales objectives?

Describe a time that you had to change your sales approach.

Tell me about a time that you worked hard for a sale but didn't get it in the end, how did you handle the situation?

Why do you think you would be good in Sales?

How would you know you were successful on a sale?

Interview Questions for each Sales Sector

1. Lead Generation/Business Development Jobs

Here it is your job to develop and implement a number of growth opportunities whether it be with B2B and C2C.

Possible Sales Interview Questions

Describe a recent situation where you negotiated terms with a tough customer?

Tell me how you developed your largest account!

What previous experience do you have in Market Research?

What previous experience do you have in cold calling?

Why would you be the right person for cold calling? (Give pro’s & Con’s for your answer).

What different approach would you take in making a Sale?

2. Inside Sales/Sales Executives/Sales Representative Jobs

In this particular sector of sales world, you would be responsible for the general management of business accounts, push particular products/services to business’s and/or customers. Develop new sales opportunities and actively participate in the sales cycle.

Possible Sales Interview Questions

What do you think are the key skills in closing?

Tell me how you developed your largest account!

Describe a recent situation where you negotiated terms with a tough customer?

Tell me about an important negotiation that failed, what went wrong and why?

Tell me about a successful formal presentation you have done recently?

Give an example of when you had to make a presentation to an unresponsive audience, how did you handle it?

3. Presales Jobs

Here companies are looking more and more for the technically savvy candidate. This type of sales job includes research and activities that are carried out before the customer is actually approached and you work closely with sales executives/reps, you can really fall under job titles such as business consultant or IT Support.

Possible Sales Interview Questions

Tell me about a successful formal presentation you have done recently?

Give an example of when you had to make a presentation to an unresponsive audience, how did you handle it?

How would you/did you adjust your presentations for each audience?

How well have you worked together with sales execs/Sales reps?

DON'T FORGET

The majority of these questions are competency based so follow our GOLDEN RULE:You should always give an example, whether the interviewer asked for one or not. When in doubt give an example. The reason for this being, the employer wants to see how you have previously handled such a situation, so now is your time to shine, show them what you’ve got.

Don't forget you will be asked other types of interview questions like:

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